I Just Finished Reading…Top Picks for February
Trailblazer : The Story of Ballerina Raven Wilkinson
By Leda Schubert and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
Ages 6-9
This book tells the story of Raven Wilkinson's journey to becoming one of the first African-American ballerinas to dance with a major American ballet company. The dream of becoming a ballerina started when Wilkinson was five years old and she saw the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo perform. In 1955, Wilkinson's dream came true and she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo company. During her career, Wilkinson had to face racism and the Ku Klux Klan, but danced until she was in her 80s! The story ends with a letter of hope and encouragement from Wilkinson.
The Backstagers. Volume one, Rebels Without Applause
By James Tynion IV and illustrated by Rian Sygh
Ages 9-12
The Backstagers is a comic book series that is similar to Lumberjanes. In this series, Jory moves to a new city and a new school – St. Genesius Preparatory High School. Jory finds his place with the drama club's stage crew, also known as the Backstagers. The Backstagers take care of the lighting, set design, props…and the mysterious magical underworld that is filled with mystery, intrigue, and possibly monsters. This is series that is filled with adventure and friendship that all readers can enjoy.
By Melanie Florence and illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
Ages 4-8
The protagonist of this story learns that her grandfather cannot speak Cree because he was taken to a residential school when he was very young. At the residential school he was not allowed to speak his own language – his words were stolen. Saddened but resourceful, the young protagonist finds a book at her library to help her grandfather find his language again. This is a beautifully written and illustrated book that shows us a painful past and the possibility of healing.
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